Source: Jags to make Norwell highest-paid OG

Former Carolina Panthers guard Andrew Norwell intends to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a five-year deal for $66.5 million, including $30 million fully guaranteed, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Norwell, 26, will become the NFL’s highest-paid guard, averaging $13.3 million in annual salary.

Norwell was a mainstay at left guard since being inserted into the Panthers’ starting lineup as an undrafted rookie in 2014.

According to Pro Football Focus, he was the only lineman not to allow a sack or quarterback hit in 2017.

He was named a first-team All-Pro in 2017, the first such honor of his career, and was considered the highest-rated offensive lineman heading into free agency.

The Panthers placed a second-round tender on the 6-foot-6, 325-pound Norwell before last season, guaranteeing him $2.75 million.

Carolina wanted to keep Norwell, but after a 2017 offseason in which they gave an extension to right guard Trai Turner (four years, $45 million) and signed free-agent tackle Matt Kalil (five years, $55.5 million), the salary cap was too tight to do so.